Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to help your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not change your dose without checking first with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Levetiracetam may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed. You should try to take this medicine at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet or the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. There is an oral liquid form of this medicine if you or your child cannot swallow the tablets.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, dropper, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine can be used with other seizure medicines. Keep using all of your seizure medicines unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Take only the form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. If you refill your prescription and your pills look different, do not take the medicine and tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):

For partial onset seizures:

Adults and children 16 years of age and older—At first, 1000 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 3000 mg per day.

Children younger than 16 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):

For partial onset seizures:

Adults and children 16 years of age and older—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 3000 mg per day.

Children 4 to 15 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 10 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per kg of body weight per day (ie, 30 mg per kg of body weight twice a day).

Children 6 months to 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 10 mg per kg of body weight two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per kg of body weight per day (ie, 25 mg per kg of body weight twice a day).

Children 1 to 5 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 7 mg per kg of body weight two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 42 mg per kg of body weight per day (ie, 21 mg per kg of body weight twice a day).

Children younger than 1 month of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For juvenile myoclonic seizures:

Children 12 years of age and older—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 3000 mg per day.

Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures:

Adults and children 16 years of age and older—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 3000 mg per day.

Children 6 to 15 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 10 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per kg of body weight per day (ie, 30 mg per kg of body weight twice a day).

Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.